For more information, please contact Kim Hemingway (Athletic Insurance Coordinator) at 269-387-3063.
Dear Student Athletes, Parents, and Guardians:
As you are already aware, the reality of athletic competition is that injuries do occur and medical attention will possibly be needed during a student-athlete’s athletic career at Western Michigan University. Obviously, student- athletes and their parents/guardians remain responsible for expenses for health, medical and emergency care, and treatment for illnesses and injuries, which are not covered by insurance.
However, Western Michigan University currently carries an athletic accident insurance policy, which provides additional coverage for injuries incurred from accidents occurring while participating in the play or practice of intercollegiate sports.
This insurance is excess or secondary to any other collectable group insurance benefits. This means that any claim for benefits must first be filed with the group insurance companies providing coverage to the student-athlete through employers of the parent/guardians or student-athletes. After these companies have paid all available benefits, our athletic insurance company, First Agency, Inc., will then review the claim to determine if any remaining unpaid bills are covered by the University’s insurance policy.
Please note that Western Michigan University does not have the option of waiving the requirement of first filing claims with your own group insurance company. Moreover, there are also very specific procedures, which must be followed when seeking medical attention. Please read and follow all insurance information and directions carefully in order to minimize the possibility of unpaid bills.
The University emphasizes the fact that this coverage applies only to injuries due to accidents occurring while participating in the play of practice of intercollegiate sports. It does not cover illnesses, other injuries, dental, vision or any other medical problems not related to such accidents in play or practice.
The athletic training staff will provide many types of medical care and treatment, but it may also seek medical attention from other sources. We encourage you to maintain or seek your own medical insurance coverage in order to provide for any situation and expenses not covered by the University’s insurance policy. The University provides the additional insurance to assist our student-athletes and their parent/guardians. However, the insurance carriers in accordance with the policy limits will generally determine any disputes as to whether or not a claim will be paid. If the University becomes involved in any dispute as to whether or not a claim will be paid, the University reserves the sole right to make the final decision on the matter. This decision will take into account University funding, policies and guidelines, the limits of the University’s insurance coverage, and the particular circumstances involved.
Please Note The Following:
Many employers’ group insurance policies allow dependent coverage to continue to the age 24 if the dependent is a full- time student. It may be in your best financial interest to not drop dependent insurance during the time of participating in intercollegiate athletics.
Claims against your group insurance plan may or may not increase your individual insurance premium, and you should verify the particular terms and conditions of your own particular plan in this regard.
By utilizing both your group insurance and our athletic accident insurance, it is possible that many bills for injuries will be paid in full, or at least to the extent the coverage allows. It is also possible that by utilizing the University’s insurance, you may not be required to pay your group insurance deducible or any coinsurance amount, depending on the circumstances of the injury.
Student athletes and their parents/guardians are subject to, and must comply with, Western Michigan University’s Medical Policy for Athletic Injuries. Please read all of the enclosed information; fill out the Insurance Information Sheet, and return it in the enclosed address envelope. The Athletic Insurance Information Sheet must be completed and signed in order to verify your understanding of the contents of this letter, and the Authorization, Agreement, Consent, Release and Indemnification found on the insurance sheet; the limits of this insurance coverage; the procedure outlined; and that you agree to these terms and conditions.
Please take notice of the following as it represents a change in protocol for pre-participation physical exams. When your son/daughter arrives on campus, they must have 1). the entire Athletic Insurance Information Sheet legibly completed and 2). their 2-sided insurance card (a duplicated copy of both sides will suffice). Without these two items, student-athletes will not be allowed to complete the physical examination, and therefore , will not be allowed to begin participating with their team. Please understand this is being implemented to maintain up to date insurance records as well as protect your family and our department from the high medical costs associated with injuries.
Should your medical insurance coverage change for any reason during the year, please contact our Athletic Insurance Coordinator Kim Hemingway at 269-387-3063 or e-mail her at: kimberlee.schafer@wmich.edu as soon as a new policy takes effect.
Vivature WMU New Student-Athlete Registration
The Insurance Process
Medical Policy For Athletic Injuries
Parent/Guardian Information Form
